193 Senior business development executive jobs

Contract: 12-month FTC with potential for a permanent contract

Sebastian’s Action Trust (SAT) supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. We help those families navigate the emotional and practical difficulties that come with caring for a child with complex needs and provide a place where they can connect, relax and make precious memories together. 

With the planned retirement of the current CEO, we are looking for an experienced charity leader with a background in fundraising, to take the organisation forward into the next phase of its strategic development. This could be an opportunity for a senior fundraising professional to take the next step into a CEO role. 

This role combines overall leadership of the charity with responsibility for income diversification and growth, with a focus on fundraising to drive stability and sustainability. The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of high-quality services, events and support provision, ensuring that the highest standards of health, safety and safeguarding are maintained. They will also nurture relationships with partner organisations and other local charities to explore opportunities for collaboration and efficiency. 

This role will lead a small but committed team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about the work we do, so you will be comfortable combining strategic thinking with pragmatism and creativity. 

The successful candidate will have experience of charity governance and financial management, and be confident working with a committed board and with partners and stakeholders to maximise impact for service users. They will also need to demonstrate hands-on experience of fundraising, with a track record of securing significant income from trusts, corporates and major donors.

This is a challenging but rewarding opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to families facing unimaginable difficulties. If this sounds like your next step, send your CV and covering letter or email to arrange an informal chat. 

Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK.  We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

As Head of Services Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Reporting to the Director of Services, you will lead service development, innovation, quality, evaluation and strategic change across our service provision (information, advice and external training) ensuring they remain effective, evidence-led and responsive to changing needs. Working closely with colleagues across the charity and external partners, you will translate strategy into practical improvements, develop new opportunities for impact and collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning, improvement and innovation.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience of leading complex projects, organisational change and service improvement programmes. 

You will be skilled at turning strategy into delivery, bringing together people from different teams and disciplines to develop practical solutions that improve outcomes. You will be comfortable using data, insight and evidence to drive decision-making and have a track record of stakeholder engagement and identifying opportunities for innovation and growth. 

You will also bring experience of impact measurement, evaluation, quality assurance or performance frameworks, with the ability to use evidence to demonstrate value and improve services. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries. An understanding of the needs of older people, the wider ageing sector and the role that data, learning and collaboration play in delivering social impact would be advantageous.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.  

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A BASIC DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Friday 25 September at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Monday 12 October at our London office, 18 Avonmore Road W14 8RR

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

Gendered Intelligence is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally respected, trans-led organisation with real influence on policy, professional practice and the lives of trans, non-binary and gender exploring people across the UK.

The next Chief Executive will inherit strong foundations: an experienced and committed team of just under 40 people, a distinctive and trusted public profile, and a range of services that reach communities, professionals and institutions across the country. With income of around £1.5–2m, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation through its next phase of development at a time when that leadership matters enormously.

The role offers the chance to shape strategic direction, open new partnerships and income streams, and contribute to national conversations on trans equality and human rights, while working alongside people who are deeply committed to the mission and to each other.

We are looking for someone who combines strategic clarity with operational grounding, who leads with calm and consistency, and who understands both the privilege and the responsibility of this role. We will be honest with candidates about what the role involves, and we expect the same in return.

Full details of the role can be found on our website and in the attached recruitment pack. 

The Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and oversight of HEY Smile Foundation’s governance arrangements, organisational systems and infrastructure, human resources and culture, and buildings and facilities. The role will ensure Smile has the people, processes, controls and resources to deliver its purpose reliably and respond confidently to future opportunities. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will translate organisational strategy into a clear operational plan, strengthen accountability and lead improvements across the charity. They will provide the CEO and trustees with timely information, assurance and practical recommendations on operational performance, capacity and risk.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with the ability to secure delivery through colleagues, managers and specialist providers. The postholder will establish clear responsibilities, standards and reporting, intervening directly where necessary and building capacity so that routine delivery does not depend on the CEO.

Job Details

Wessmaps Housing Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation into its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven housing provider that delivers high-quality homes and support for vulnerable individuals across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

Every day, our work helps people with complex needs find stability, independence and the opportunity to thrive within their communities. As Chief Executive, you will ensure that mission remains at the heart of everything we do, whilst providing the strategic leadership needed to strengthen our organisation and drive sustainable growth.

Reporting to the Board, you will provide inspiring leadership across the Trust, setting a clear vision and ensuring excellent governance, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance. You will lead and develop a talented senior team, championing a culture that reflects our mission of providing good quality, bespoke housing solutions for vulnerable people in Hampshire.

As the public face of Wessmaps, you will build influential relationships with local authorities, commissioners, statutory agencies and sector partners, raising the Trust’s profile and creating opportunities that enable us to deliver even greater impact for the people we serve.

We are looking for a credible and experienced senior housing leader with strong knowledge of the housing regulatory framework and a track record of delivering strategic and operational success. You will combine commercial acumen with strong values, bringing the vision, resilience and authenticity needed to lead through opportunity and challenge alike. Most importantly, you will be passionate about improving lives through the provision of safe, high-quality, person-centred housing services.

If you are a values-led leader who wants to make a meaningful difference, inspire people, and help shape the future of an ambitious organisation with a strong social purpose, we would love to hear from you.

You will use a wide range of commercial and interpersonal skills to develop the way our services support children, young people and families.

The core area of your work will be working with teams of Barnardo's colleagues to produce compelling proposals to commissioners and partners in Scotland and Northern Ireland. As such, you'll be able to demonstrate:

• Strong organisational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• The ability to elicit and articulate great ideas
• Strong written and spoken communication

You will need to be a good writer, communicating ideas effectively on paper with an ability to analyse large volumes of information to develop clear and compelling responses to tenders. It is critical that you can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the development of proposals and service design.

You will manage all aspects of proposals and tenders, leading the development and delivery of bids, working to deadlines, ensuring that we present strong business cases and bids that underpin successful outcomes. In addition, there will be the opportunity to help us develop new services and innovations in priority growth areas, monitor market intelligence, assess commercial and contract risks and work alongside operational colleagues in Children's Services.

Your project management skills may have been developed in any sector, and may need further development, but your commitment to the work we do will be demonstrated by your enthusiasm and ability to learn. In Business Development we are a supportive team, with stimulating and challenging work and extensive opportunities to learn and to help Barnardo's transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children.

These roles will operate on a 'Work from Anywhere' basis, meaning that you can work both from home and/or from an office 'hub' that's nearest to where you live. Some travel across Scotland and Northern Ireland may be required.

Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Are you passionate about sales with a proven track record in new business development and income generation? Do you want to use these skills to make a difference across the local community?

Northampton Town FC Community Trust is an award-winning and pioneering charity that uses the unique appeal of Northampton Town Football Club to deliver activities that connect our communities and improve people’s lives.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate, enthusiastic and driven individual to join our team in the following position:

· Business Development Manager

You will play a crucial role in generating income that will positively support the delivery of existing and new community trust projects. In this role, you'll build and nurture strong relationships with schools, clients, partners, and key stakeholders including businesses.

You will lead on the sales of our high-quality schools programmes and packages that are delivered by our dedicated schools team, providing meaningful impact to a range of students. You will lead the sales process from prospecting to closing, ensuring a continuous pipeline of high-quality opportunities, and craft innovative solutions that meet client needs.

You will identify and close new opportunities with businesses, as well as schools, to meet agreed growth targets.  You’ll be able to leverage the assets of the football club and the charity, along with our stories of positive impact, to encourage more schools and businesses to engage and buy in to achieve set income generation targets. The work you do, and income you generate will enable us to make an even bigger impact across the community, helping to improve health and wellbeing, develop stronger, safer connected communities and enhance life opportunities.

Absolute Support Leading Light (ASLL) is looking for an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to lead the charity through its next stage of development. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced leader to work closely with the Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, staff, commissioners, families and the people we support to sustain and grow high-quality outreach and supported living services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

ASLL is a small local charity based in Richmond-upon-Thames supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. Founded in 2006 and registered as a charity in 2019, Absolute Support has built a solid reputation as a caring provider with a warm and supportive home setting for the people we support. Through our two community-based, supported living homes and via a small outreach service, we work to enable 11 young adults to live happy and meaningful lives.

You will lead a skilled and committed staff team within a welcoming and collaborative culture whilst being supported by the active and experienced board of trustees. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, strengthen governance and quality assurance, oversee compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and act as the organisation's lead spokesperson.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer.

Location: Office-based at ASLL's Teddington office, with regular travel to the locally based client sites.

Working hours: 24 hours (3 days per week).

Salary: £60,000 FTE (£36,000 based on 24 hours per week).

Regulatory role: CQC Nominated Individual (designate) for ASLL's regulated activity, pending CQC registration.

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about ASLL, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 5 October 2026

Both ASLL and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Chief Executive Officer – White Lodge

Location: White Lodge, Chertsey, KT16 0FA (hybrid, minimum 3 days a week in the office)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full time, 37.5 hours per week

Could you lead a charity with deep roots and a strong sense of community into its next chapter – creating greater opportunities for people with disabilities and/or neurodiversity to thrive?

About us

White Lodge is a leading charity supporting children, young people and adults with disabilities and their families. With more than 60 years’ history, we support over 2,500 people across Surrey and beyond through specialist services and facilities in Chertsey.

White Lodge is a community as much as a service provider, built around our values of ENABLE: Equity, Nurture, Advocacy, Belonging, Language and Empathy. Our Active Plan 2025–30 sets four ambitions: Enhance accessibility and social opportunities; Champion customers' voices in health and social care; Transform local attitudes; and Strengthen its resources.

With strong systems, governance and a diversified income base, White Lodge is well placed for its next phase. The new CEO will provide continuity while bringing strategic, operational and entrepreneurial leadership to respond to a changing funding environment and pursue new opportunities, including a children's services tender.

As our next Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Deliver White Lodge's strategy, translating ambitions into measurable outcomes and impact.
• Leadership: Lead and develop a committed workforce, fostering an inclusive, accountable and values-led culture.
• Governance & Finance: Partner with the Board to ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and effective risk management.
• Operations: Ensure high-quality, person-centred services and effective organisational systems and performance.
• Income & Partnerships: Diversify income and develop relationships with commissioners, funders, NHS partners and the wider community.
• Influence & Advocacy: Champion customers' voices, strengthen White Lodge's profile and help transform attitudes towards disability.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Ensure high standards of safeguarding, regulatory compliance, equality and ethical leadership.

Who you are

• A seasoned senior leader with significant experience in a complex organisation, ideally within charity, health, care or wider public services.
• Experienced in leading substantial teams and complex services, with strong financial, operational and commercial understanding.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of organisational change, sustainable growth and measurable outcomes.
• Experienced in working effectively with a Board, commissioners, funders and strategic partners.
• An emotionally intelligent, inclusive and entrepreneurial leader who builds trust, creates clarity and brings people with them.
• A compelling communicator and ambassador, committed to equity, inclusion, dignity, safeguarding and ensuring lived experience shapes decisions.
• Experience of disability, social care, children's services or another regulated service environment would be advantageous, as would commissioned services or significant tender experience. Previous CEO experience is desirable but not essential; exceptional Directors or Deputy CEOs ready to step up are encouraged to apply.

Why White Lodge?

• Help create a world that is inclusive to all, regardless of ability.
• Lead an established charity with a committed team, strong systems and strengthened governance.
• Deliver the ambitions of the Active Plan 2025–30 and pursue new opportunities.
• Work alongside customers, families, staff, volunteers and trustees who share White Lodge's values.

Application

For full details of the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation, contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile, treated with strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th October 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Senior People Business Partner – 6 Month Maternity Cover

We are seeking an experienced Senior People Business Partner to provide strategic HR leadership, expert advice and support across a complex organisation.

Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Contract: 6-month maternity cover
Hours: Full time, 36 hours per week with flexible core working hours
Location: London – hybrid working, with Wednesdays in the office
Closing date: Applications and CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews taking place as suitable candidates are identified.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior People Business Partner to join a high-profile organisation and work closely with senior leaders across a varied and complex environment.

You will provide a proactive, strategic people partnering service, supporting leaders and managers with organisational priorities while ensuring effective people management and a positive employee experience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Partnering senior leaders and managers on strategic and operational people matters
• Leading and supporting organisational development, change and restructuring programmes
• Managing complex and high-level employee relations cases, including dismissal and appeal
• Building constructive relationships with trade union representatives
• Coaching and challenging managers to strengthen leadership and people management capability
• Identifying workforce trends, risks and opportunities and providing pragmatic solutions
• Supporting workforce planning, talent management and succession planning
• Using people data and management information to inform decision-making
• Developing and reviewing people policies, procedures and working practices
• Line managing and supporting colleagues within the People team

About you

You will be an experienced HR/People professional with a strong track record of operating at Senior Business Partner level within a large or complex organisation.

You will bring substantial generalist HR experience, including managing complex employee relations matters and advising senior stakeholders on sensitive people issues.

Experience within a unionised environment is highly desirable, and candidates with experience of working within the public sector or a similarly complex, highly governed organisation would be particularly well suited.

You will also have:

• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• Experience of organisational change, restructuring and people projects
• Excellent influencing, coaching and relationship-building skills
• The confidence to challenge constructively at senior level
• Strong analytical and organisational skills
• A collaborative, pragmatic and people-focused approach

About the organisation

You will be joining a nationally recognised organisation with a strong public purpose and commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming and high-performing workplace.

The organisation employs a diverse workforce and offers an interesting and complex People environment, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining strategic business partnering with hands-on senior HR support.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Senior HR Business Partner, HR Business Partner, People Business Partner, Senior People Partner, HR Manager, Senior HR Manager, Employee Relations Manager, People and Culture Business Partner, Strategic HR Business Partner or HR Consultant.

Circa £55,000 per annum

12 month fixed-term contract

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Project Manager.

The role is a senior delivery leader responsible for successfully leading and delivering complex, high-value strategic projects, programmes and transformational change initiatives that are critical to achieving UNICEF UK's strategic objectives.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 9am, 17 September 2026.

Interview date: WC Monday 28 September 2026 via video conferencing (MS Teams).

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Contract Type: 21 hours per week. Initial 12-month fixed term contract with the potential for extension and/or a permanent position at the end of the term.

Salary: £27,00 - £30,000 per annum dependent on relevant experience (£45,00 - £50,000 FTE)

Base: Remote/Hybrid

About us

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you want to work with like-minded professionals in a great team?

Rees seeks to support those who have, at some stage in their lives, been in foster care or residential care, including those with custodial experience. The charity understands the importance of having a lifelong support network. Our aim is to help care experienced people thrive in all aspects of their lives at any age. We seek to listen; and offer help and advice about any aspect they may have.

Rees delivers its services and products to public and voluntary sector commissioners, businesses, other agencies, and professionals.

Role Purpose

The Head of Commercial Income is a senior leadership role and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

The postholder will lead the Charity's commercial income function, with responsibility for growing sustainable income through commissioned and commercial services, training, Ask Jan membership and other opportunities.

This is a strategic, commercially focused and hands-on role. The postholder will be a visible face of the Charity, building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations, businesses and other partners. They will identify opportunities, understand customer and commissioner needs, develop compelling propositions and secure sustainable business.

A particular focus will be growing the Charity's position within the statutory sector. The postholder will develop a strong understanding of local authority priorities, commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes and use this insight to anticipate emerging needs and create opportunities for the Charity to provide innovative and valuable solutions.

The postholder will lead and develop the Commercial Income function, with the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator reporting directly to them. They will set direction, priorities and targets while maintaining an active role in developing relationships, identifying opportunities, progressing bids and supporting commercial negotiations.

Working across the Charity, the postholder will ensure commercial opportunities are translated into high-quality, financially sustainable services that deliver positive outcomes for care experienced people.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide strategic and commercial leadership for the Charity's commissioned and commercial services, training portfolio and Ask Jan membership offer.
• Lead and develop the Commercial Income function, line managing the Business Development Manager and Training & Commercial Services Co-ordinator.
• Set clear commercial priorities, targets and performance expectations and ensure the team has a strong focus on growth and results.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the leadership, planning and future development of the Charity.
• Develop a proactive, creative and customer-focused commercial culture across the function.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Income and Development, Head of Service Delivery and wider Leadership Team to maximise income and impact.
• Balance strategic leadership with direct involvement in key commercial relationships, opportunities and negotiations.

Strategic Partnerships and Business Development

· Provide strategic leadership to the Charity's relationships with local authorities, commissioners and key partners, building senior-level relationships and positioning the Charity as a trusted partner.

· Oversee the commercial services pipeline, providing direction and support to the Business Development Manager to identify, prioritise and progress opportunities for growth.

· Develop approaches to securing new commissioned and commercial opportunities, working with Service Development and Service Delivery colleagues to shape services in response to market and beneficiary needs.

· Provide senior leadership and input on key bids, tenders and commissioned service proposals.

· Represent the Charity at strategic commissioning forums, partnership meetings and senior stakeholder events, promoting its expertise, services and impact.

· Monitor developments in commissioning, procurement, public policy and relevant markets, using this insight to identify emerging opportunities and potential challenges.

Commissioned and Commercial Services

• Provide overall strategic oversight of the Charity's commissioned and commercial services portfolio, ensuring services meet contractual obligations, quality standards, agreed outcomes and financial targets.
• Work with operational and service development colleagues to ensure services respond effectively to commissioner and customer needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop, improve and expand existing services and create new commercial offers.
• Ensure commercial propositions are viable, deliverable, competitive and aligned with the Charity's mission.
• Monitor market, commissioning and policy developments and identify their implications for the Charity's services and commercial opportunities.

Training and Ask Jan

• Provide strategic leadership for the continued growth and development of the Charity's training offer and Ask Jan membership service.
• Ensure training and membership propositions remain relevant, innovative and responsive to customer and sector needs.
• Identify opportunities to develop new training, membership and other commercial products and services.
• Work with colleagues to ensure these offers are effectively positioned, developed and brought to market.

Financial and Operational Management

• Provide strategic oversight of the financial performance and sustainability of the commercial income portfolio.
• Set and monitor income, growth and performance targets and report progress to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Oversee the commercial pipeline, income forecasting, contract performance and retention.
• Ensure commercial services are delivered within agreed budgets and provide value for money.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, pricing, sustainability and long-term income.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring, reporting and evaluation arrangements are in place for commercial activity.
• Ensure commercial activities comply with contractual, legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.

General

• Work collaboratively across all departments to maximise impact for care experienced people.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in local government, commissioning, procurement, children's services, social care and the wider charity sector.
• Promote the Charity's expertise, services and impact and protect its reputation through high-quality commercial relationships.
• Ensure the Charity's commercial activity remains consistent with its values, purpose and commitment to care experienced people.
• Contribute to organisational planning, continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Essential

• Significant experience of leading and growing commercial income, commissioned services, business development, sales or other income-generating activity.
• Proven track record of securing new business, growing existing contracts and generating sustainable income.
• Experience of building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, public sector organisations and other senior stakeholders.
• Experience of leading or overseeing successful tenders, procurements, bids or commissioned service proposals.
• Understanding of public sector commissioning, procurement and purchasing processes, ideally with experience of local authorities and the statutory sector.
• Experience of identifying customer or commissioner needs and developing services, products or propositions in response.
• Strong commercial and business development approach, with the ability to build relationships, influence decision-makers, negotiate and secure business.
• Experience of managing and developing staff within a commercial, business development, sales or income-generation function.
• Strong commercial, financial and strategic awareness.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with an active role in business development and income generation.
• Creative, proactive and opportunity-focused, with excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Rees Foundation.

Desirable

• Experience of working with local authority children's services, social care, leaving care, corporate parenting or related statutory services.
• Knowledge of the care experienced and/or social care sectors.
• Experience of developing and selling services to local authorities or other public sector organisations.
• Experience of managing training, membership or subscription-based services.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, charity governance and relevant regulatory requirements.

Application Process

The closing date for this position is Friday 18th September 2026 at 5pm. Please note that we reserve the right to close applications before the advertised closing date or extend the application window at our discretion.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and welcome applications from those who are care leavers.